Vice President Sara Duterte has alleged that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was aware of moves within the House of Representatives to amend the Constitution and push for her impeachment, supposedly to benefit Leyte 1st District Representative and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
In the first episode of her program “Ibalik ang Tapang at Malasakit,” Duterte addressed political controversies surrounding her, including the impeachment complaint filed against her.
She claimed that lawmakers had long planned her removal and that congressional hearings “in aid of legislation” were actually used to gather evidence for the case.
According to Duterte, the administration’s strategy was twofold: Charter change and her impeachment, both allegedly linked to Romualdez’s presidential ambitions.
“Ang gusto talaga nila, Martin Romualdez, for president para susunod siya kay BBM. Eh, nasa Gabinete pa ako noon di nila ako maatake ng deretsahan,” she said.
Duterte recalled confronting Marcos in November 2023 before his trip to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum in the United States, questioning him about rumors of impeachment plans.
“Kinompronta ko diretso si BBM. Sabi ko bakit merong pagpaplano ng impeachment sa House of Representatives sakin,” she said.
“Alam mo si BBM, nag-English ‘yan, eh. Sabi, ‘Oh, that’s not true. That’s not true, there’s nothing like that.’ Ganyan ‘yan siya.”
She added that Marcos denied any impeachment plan but admitted Charter change was a priority.
“Sa sobrang daldal niya na lumabas sa bibig nya na ang prayoridad daw is Charter change,” Duterte said.
Senator Imee Marcos, who was present during the meeting, reportedly questioned the prioritization of constitutional amendments amid pressing national issues.
Duterte claimed that discussions included proposals to abolish the Office of the Vice President and extend the terms of House members.
Before leaving for his trip, Duterte said Marcos told her: “I’ll take care of you.” She interpreted this as confirmation that he knew more than he admitted.
As of press time, Malacañang has not issued a statement regarding the Vice President’s claims.